Edgar Basbas Task force commander of the Regional Special Operation Task
Group (RSOTG) revealed that there remain but two private armed groups (PAGs) in
the region and that they are determined to dismantle them.

In a press
conference on secure and fair election held on December 8, Saturday, at the
Police Provincial Office (PPO), Camp Lucban, Catbalogan City, Basbas added that
there are 34,300 loose firearms in Eastern Visayas with 5, 473 in Samar alone
and 1,724 with unrenewed license.

During the press conference, Police
regional Director Elmer Soria said that Samar is considered one of the 15
provinces in the priority election watch list nationwide.

He explained
that this is due to the presence of PAGs, loose firearms, intense political
rivalry, presence of threat groups, and criminal elements.

Samar Police Provincial Director
Eusebio Mejos clarified that the reshuffle of PNP personnel has already started
for those who have stayed for two years and those with relatives as official
candidates for the 2013 election.

Lawyer Corazon Montallana of Comelec
said that the “Oplan Baklas” for political ads will start January 13, 2013.

The four officials request for full support from the media for a fair
2013 elections.

Soria and Mejos assured that they will facilitate
security for the media practitioners especially during the election. (PIA 8-
Samar with Avha H. Ebalde)